Ireland ‘meets’ London’s West End

Published on : Friday, January 4, 2019

Forty-five (45) top British meetings and events professionals attended ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ in London. The annual B2B event – organised by Tourism Ireland in conjunction with Fáilte Ireland and Tourism NI – saw the buyers meet, and do business with, some 44 tourism businesses from across the island of Ireland.

‘Ireland Meets the West End’ aims to grow business tourism from Britain to the island of Ireland – providing a valuable opportunity for the companies from Ireland to showcase and sell their product and to convince the British buyers to confirm their meetings and events in Ireland for 2019 and beyond.

Julie Wakley, Tourism Ireland’s Head of Great Britain, said: “Tourism Ireland was delighted that so many top British meetings and events professionals took the time to attend our ‘Ireland Meets the West End’ event and meet our partners from Ireland – demonstrating their commitment and interest in the island of Ireland for 2019 and beyond.”

Business tourism is the most lucrative form of tourism, with visitors travelling to Ireland for business purposes spending almost three times more than the average visitor. Corporate meetings and association conferences continue to be the focus of Tourism Ireland’s business tourism promotions in Britain.

Julie Wakley continued: “Business tourism is an important, high yield sector and Tourism Ireland has undertaken a busy programme of activity throughout 2018, to grow business from this sector. Our promotions have been highlighting our world-class venues and facilities, as well as ease of access from Britain and the unique experiences on offer in Ireland.”

‘Meet in Ireland’ is the official MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and events) brand for the island of Ireland. It comprises three tourism authorities – Fáilte Ireland, Tourism Ireland and Tourism Northern Ireland – who work in partnership to promote the island of Ireland as a leading conference and meeting destination.